Members of the Russell County School Board unanimously voted for a formal request to the State Education Commissioner asking to end school a little earlier for seniors.

The “Graduation Waiver” was requested so that the high school graduation could be held on Friday, May 29th instead of on Monday, June 1st as originally planned.

School Superintendent Scott Pierce said the request to change the graduation date is made to keep from inconveniencing those traveling long distances to attend the graduation ceremony.

He said he is hoping that having graduation on Friday night will make travel easier than it would be if the graduation were held on Monday as presently scheduled.

The board approved payment of bill for work at the new auditorium and natatorium including $102,041 for the auditorium’s sound system and $17,530 for doors.

The board’s treasurer reported that the district began last month with $4.02 million and concluded it with $3.6 million.

They voted to accept a $29,253 state grant, which requires a local match, making the total of $58,506 to be used for purchasing computers and other technology for students.